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AAR Remembers Pina Pasquantonio

November 30, 2016

AAR portrait by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Pina with life partner Gianni, by Annie Schlechter

Super Pina! June 12, 2008, Before a meeting at Villa Aurelia between then-president George W. Bush and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, authorities demanded the removal of war protest banners from the McKim Building hung by Fellows. Fearless Pin

It is with great sadness that we relay the passing of Pina Pasquantonio, our Assistant Director of Operations in Rome.

All of the Fellows, Residents and Visiting Artists and Scholars know Pina as the person who helped allocate living space at the American Academy and she was often their first contact with the institution. Pina’s concern for the well being of all who stayed at the Academy was unmatched—she was a fierce defender of the AAR community and had an acute sense of its history. She is remembered for her consistent and tireless work over three decades for the Fellows and their families—no matter was too small for Pina, as she helped to make Rome a comfortable home for all. Pina was a strong and trusted member of the staff, whose efforts and opinions always reflected the perspective of the common good. In essence she made all members of the Academy community feel cared for.

Pina came to the American Academy in Rome in 1984, first as secretary to the Director and later becoming Assistant Director for Operations. Having received a certification as a sommelier, Pina also took great pride and pleasure in selecting the wine for the Academy’s table.

We wish Pina’s family and friends all comfort during this difficult time. Those wishing to honor Pina's memory might consider making a donation to either of the charities with which Pina was involved: The Italian Association for Cancer Research: http://www.airc.it or an Italian charity for children, Mondo Solidale: http://www.italiasolidale.org.

We are grateful for the many ways in which Pina has contributed to the Academy community and her loss is deeply felt.